North Dakota vs South Dakota: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | North Dakota (ND) | South Dakota (SD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $11,676 | $13,396 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,101,115 | 1,224,124 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 1,501,487 | 1,665,498 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $35/mo | $57/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $140/mo | $278/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 6.7% | 4.1% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | North Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $178,759 | $154,393 | +$24,366 |
| Kidney Transplant | $116,999 | $125,853 | $-8,853 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $90,308 | $69,622 | +$20,687 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $70,958 | $99,495 | $-28,537 |
| Spinal Fusion | $38,484 | $57,744 | $-19,260 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $36,332 | $30,772 | +$5,560 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,528 | $39,857 | $-4,329 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,234 | $53,824 | $-19,589 |
| Laminectomy | $29,330 | $29,335 | $-4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, North Dakota or South Dakota?
South Dakota has higher Medicare spending at $13,396 per capita vs $11,676 in North Dakota.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
South Dakota has a lower uninsured rate of 4.1% compared to 6.7% in North Dakota.
Have both North Dakota and South Dakota expanded Medicaid?
North Dakota has expanded Medicaid. South Dakota has expanded Medicaid.